"Greater love hath no man than this, that a
man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

This week we celebrate Valentine's Day. As you all know, Valentine's Day
is when we send cards to friends and sweethearts to tell them we love them.
Have you gotten your valentines yet? There are many different types of
valentines from which to choose. Some have candy attached to them, some
have chewing gum. Some valentines may come with a little stuffed animal.
Some valentines are funny....some are serious. Some of them have a
message of friendship and some have a romantic message like this
one I got to send to my wife. Most of the valentines have hearts on them
because the heart is used to represent love. Valentines are a nice way to
say, "I love you."

This is the most beautiful valentine I have ever received. (Hold up the cross)
Oh, I know it doesn’t look very pretty like some of these valentines, but it
beautiful because it represents the greatest love I have ever known. It
represents Jesus' love for me. The Bible says, "Greater love hath no
man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." That is
what Jesus did when He died on the cross. He gave his life for me.
That is why I say that the cross is the most beautiful valentine I have ever
received. Jesus is the only one who has ever loved me enough to die for
me.

Do you think Jesus wants a valentine from me? I think He does. But I
don't think he wants a paper valentine like these. I think he wants me
to show my love for him by giving my heart to Him. After all, he
gave his life for me.

Dear Lord, thank you that you loved us so much that you sent Jesus to die on the
cross for us. As Jesus showed His love for us on the cross, may we
show our love for him by giving our hearts to him. Amen.